It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler, and our tans are beginning to fade. Yes, this all means it’s back to school! And for many college students, that means saying goodbye to our families and moving back on campus.

No doubt you may have accumulated a few extra things over the summer months. Maybe you’ve done a lot of shopping and have a brand new wardrobe. Or you finally splurged and bought yourself that flat screen TV. So, which belongings should be brought to college — and which ones are best stored away? We’ve come up with some tips to help you make the right decisions.

What to Store

The typical college dorm is quite small and there usually isn’t room to store much of anything. Often times, it’s more practical to leave some items behind — whether it’s at your parents’ home or in a self-storage unit. Here’s a list of belongings that are best to put away.

Appliances

Over the years, you may have accumulated some small kitchen appliances. These can include a microwave, toaster oven, and maybe even a mini-fridge. Most college residences have a cafeteria that offers meal plans, so students can focus on their studies instead of worrying about what to eat. If your college is taking care of food prep, then consider putting your appliances in storage. Smaller items like pots and pans, mixing bowls, and cooking utensils can be packed away as well. However, it’s still a smart idea to bring a couple of plates and some cutlery in case you order Chinese take-out for those late night study sessions.

Seasonal Clothing

When school starts in September, the weather is still relatively warm. Chances are you’ll be wearing fall clothing with a mix of summer outfits. Consider storing your winter clothes until you need them. This includes heavy coats, thick sweaters, and even ski wear. If you’re heading back home for the holidays — as most college students do — it’s a good time to retrieve your winter clothing. Be sure your self-storage unit is dry and free of pests as moths and rodents could damage your clothing.

Seasonal Equipment

Unless you plan on biking around your college campus during the school year, put your bicycle and other seasonal equipment in storage. This also applies to sports gear like tennis racquets, ski poles, and baseball bats. To make access to these items easier, be sure to place them at the front of your storage unit instead of the back. Also, create ‘laneways’ when storing your belongings. This will allow you to walk through the storage unit easily without being blocked by your items.

Furniture

Coffee tables, recliners, and sofas should be packed away if your college dorm is too small for extra furniture. You’ll most likely have room for a bed, desk, and small table. Everything else can go into a storage unit. When packing furniture, be sure to wrap everything in plastic to protect from chips and scratches. Be sure your storage operator offers climate-controlled units. This is especially beneficial for wood and leather pieces, as well as bedding and mattresses. Climate-control will keep your storage unit at the same temperature all year round and will protect your belongings from moisture and humidity. This will keep your furniture from warping, cracking, and discolouration.

What to Bring

There are a few essentials to bring to college that will make life easier for you. Here are some items we know college students should always have on hand.

Textbooks & School Supplies

This seems like a no-brainer but it’s still worth mentioning. Although many students take notes on their laptops and read textbooks digitally, there are still instances when good old hard copies are better. Remember to bring all textbooks necessary to complete your courses. And always pack a few extra pens, notepads and highlighters too. Using a mix of digital materials and paper documents is always a good idea to keep your bases covered.

Bedding

A warm blanket, comfy pillow, and set of high-quality sheets will keep you cozy throughout the school year. Bring bedding that is suitable for all-seasons so that you’re not lugging around multiple sets. Chances are your college dorm offers good heating during the winter months and air conditioning when the nights get warmer. A blanket of medium-thickness should do the trick no matter what the temperature may be.

Electronics

TVs and game consoles may be a distraction to your studies, but many college students just can’t live without their electronics. If you have a flat-screen TV or PlayStation you adore, bring these to your dorm instead of putting them in storage. Your parents may not be pleased. But tell them in today’s technology-rich world, it’s all part of the educational process!

As you get ready for the new school year, be sure to pack your belongings carefully and ask for help loading them into your truck. When choosing a self-storage unit, be sure the facility offers good security features like 24-hour video surveillance and gated access. This will ensure your valuables are protected until you return for them at the end of the school year!

For more information about our storage options, or to receive a quote based on your storage needs, call Jiffy Self Storage at 416-74-JIFFY or contact us here.